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The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) movie poster

Plot Summary

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 101 min · English
Echo score 72
JustWatch #24,332 4
Directed by
McG
Starring
Leslie Bibb, Hana Mae Lee, Jenna Ortega, Judah Lewis, Robbie Amell, Andrew Bachelor

Two years after defeating the killer, Cole’s peaceful summer is shattered when the evil he thought vanquished returns, more dangerous than ever. He must once again confront the malevolent forces and protect the people he cares about. This time, the stakes are even higher as he faces a renewed and vengeful threat determined to destroy everything he holds dear.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 How it ends
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like The Babysitter: Killer Queen
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)

Where can you watch The Babysitter: Killer Queen? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in The Babysitter: Killer Queen: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

Two years have passed since the chilling events of the first film, and now Cole, played by Judah Lewis, is navigating the challenges of junior year in high school. Despite his desperate attempts, he can only convince his closest friend, Emily Alyn Lind as Melanie, that a satanic cult, once led by his former babysitter, Samara Weaving as Bee, truly attempted to take his life. Just when things couldn't seem bleaker, Cole discovers that his parents have enrolled him in a psychiatric school. In a daring escape, he teams up with Melanie, her new boyfriend Jimmy, and their friends Boom-Boom and Diego, seeking a reprieve at a lake party.

At the vibrant gathering, Cole catches sight of the new student Jenna Ortega as Phoebe, who mysteriously finds a childhood stuffed toy along with directions to the lake tucked in her locker. The atmosphere shifts drastically when, during a party game on a boat, tragedy strikes as Melanie brutally kills Boom-Boom. In a shocking revelation, Melanie confesses to Cole that she joined the cult to chase her dreams of fame, with both Jimmy and Diego revealed as fellow cult members. They require another innocent's blood to continue their dark rituals, having already bloodyed Boom-Boom in their sacrifice.

The original cultists: Hana Mae Lee as Sonya, Bella Thorne as Allison, Robbie Amell as Max, and Andrew Bachelor as John reappear, resurrected for a sinister ritual that demands their participation before sunrise or risk death. As the chaos unfolds, Phoebe fortuitously arrives asking for gas for her jet ski, granting Cole a brief moment to escape the cult's clutches.

On land, Cole shares his harrowing story with Phoebe, who surprisingly believes him, as the cultists pursue them relentlessly. The first confrontation with Sonya ends in a brutal accident, running her over with a stranger's car. The stakes rise when they confront Allison and manage to trap her, leading to a violent showdown. Shortly after, as they attempt to sail away on a boat, Max makes a desperate move to latch on, only for Phoebe to ignite a blaze using silly string, while Cole brutally defends them with the boat's propeller.

As the cultists Diego and Jimmy ignite into nothingness upon reconsidering their chase, Cole and Phoebe find refuge in Phoebe’s old family cabin, a location guided by a cryptic message she received. Inside the bunker, Phoebe unveils her tragic story—her parents died due to a car accident she caused. Cole supports her through this painful revelation, and their bond deepens as they share an intimate moment.

Meanwhile, Melanie, plotting to lure Cole out, fakes being intoxicated while speaking to Cole’s father, Ken Marino as Archie, who frantically searches for them. When chaos ensues, Cole and Phoebe come out armed, resulting in a series of accidents and confrontations that pit them against their former friends turned foes.

In a tension-filled climax, Cole faces Archie, while Melanie seeks revenge on Phoebe. After regaining his senses, Cole takes control by locking Archie out of the car, racing back to save Phoebe. At the lake, Melanie holds Phoebe hostage, but Cole steps forward, offering himself as the next sacrifice. The plot thickens with the arrival of Bee, revealed as Phoebe's babysitter and responsible for the tragedy in her past. Flashbacks unveil Bee's Faustian bargain to save Phoebe's life.

As the cultists partake in the ritual, everything goes awry due to Cole’s lost innocence from his encounter with Phoebe. Their plan backfires spectacularly, leading to the disintegration of the cult members. Devastated yet reformed, Bee drinks the mixture, sacrificing herself to ensure that Cole and Phoebe triumph over the malevolence of the cult she originally aligned with.

In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Archie's newfound belief in Cole's experiences paves the way for their escape. As the dawn breaks, Cole and Phoebe seal their bond with a kiss, marking a hopeful transition. The film hints at lingering darkness with a mid-credits scene, revealing Bee's demon book, ominously left untouched on the sand.

Last updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:02

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Plot questions answered

The Babysitter: Killer Queen Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why did Melanie join the cult in this movie?

Melanie joined the cult to chase her dreams of fame. During the boat scene, she confesses to Cole that she was willing to participate in the cult's dark rituals because she believed it would help her achieve fame and success. She reveals that more blood is needed for the cult's ritual, having already sacrificed Boom-Boom.

  • melanie cult
  • fame motivation
  • boom boom death
  • melanie betrayal
Q2

Why were the cult members resurrected?

The original cult members, Sonya, Allison, Max, and John, were resurrected for a sinister ritual that demanded their participation before sunrise or risk death. They needed to complete the ritual with fresh blood to continue their dark work, and their resurrection was tied to the cult's supernatural rules requiring all members to participate in the ceremony.

Foreshadowing: The first film established that the cult had supernatural elements and specific ritual requirements.

  • cult resurrection
  • sonya allison max john
  • satanic ritual
  • dawn deadline
Q3

How is Bee connected to Phoebe?

Bee was revealed to be Phoebe's former babysitter and was responsible for the tragedy in Phoebe's past. Flashbacks unveil that Bee made a Faustian bargain to save Phoebe's life when she was a child, which explains why Bee ultimately helps Cole and Phoebe defeat the cult despite her past involvement.

Foreshadowing: Phoebe receiving mysterious directions to the lake and finding her childhood toy foreshadows her connection to Bee.

  • bee phoebe
  • babysitter connection
  • faustian bargain
  • phoebe backstory
Q4

Why did the cult ritual fail?

The ritual failed because Cole had lost his innocence from his encounter with Phoebe. The cult's dark magic required innocence to work properly, and when Cole lost his innocence, the ritual backfired spectacularly, leading to the disintegration of all the cult members. This unexpected turn allowed Cole and Phoebe to triumph over the cult.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that Cole's innocence was important to the cult's original ritual in the first movie.

  • ritual failure
  • cole innocence
  • cult destroyed
  • magic backfire
Q5

Why did Bee sacrifice herself at the end?

Bee sacrificed herself by drinking the cult mixture to ensure Cole and Phoebe could defeat the malevolence she originally aligned with. After the ritual failed and the cult members were disintegrating, Bee chose to drink the remaining mixture, sacrificing her own life to save the protagonists and find redemption for her past involvement with the cult.

Foreshadowing: Bee's earlier Faustian bargain to save Phoebe establishes her complex relationship with the characters and her capacity for sacrifice.

  • bee sacrifice
  • redemption
  • bee death
  • hero ending
Q6

What happened to Archie in the climax?

Cole's father Archie was caught in the chaos when Melanie manipulated him by faking intoxication. During the confrontation, Cole ended up locking Archie out of the car to protect him, then raced back to save Phoebe. After regaining his senses, Archie witnessed the cult's defeat and finally believed Cole's stories, leading to a reconciliation between father and son.

Foreshadowing: Archie's disbelief of Cole's experiences throughout both films creates tension that resolves in this moment.

  • archie cole father
  • melanie manipulation
  • father reconciliation
  • family ending
Q7

What does the mid-credits scene imply about the future?

The mid-credits scene reveals Bee's demon book left untouched on the sand, hinting that the dark supernatural forces may not be fully vanquished. This ominous hint suggests potential future installments and that the cult's evil could return, leaving viewers with uncertainty about whether the threat is truly over.

Foreshadowing: The first film also ended with ambiguous hints about the cult's potential return.

  • demon book
  • sequel hint
  • mid credits
  • evil returns
Q8

Why did Diego and Jimmy disintegrate during the chase?

Diego and Jimmy disintegrated into nothingness when they reconsidered their pursuit of Cole and Phoebe. Their change of heart triggered their destruction, showing that the cult's power was tied to their commitment to the dark rituals. When they hesitated and tried to abandon the cult's mission, they were punished with disintegration.

  • diego jimmy death
  • cult members disintegrate
  • betrayal punishment
Q9

What happened to Phoebe's parents?

Phoebe revealed to Cole that her parents died in a car accident that she caused. This tragic backstory explains why she received the mysterious message leading her to the cabin and why she has deep emotional scars. Cole supported her through this painful revelation, which helped deepen their bond.

Foreshadowing: Phoebe finding her childhood toy and directions foreshadows her connection to the cabin and her past trauma.

  • phoebe parents
  • car accident
  • phoebe backstory
  • tragic past
Q10

How did Sonya die in the lake confrontation?

Sonya was killed in a brutal accident when Cole and Phoebe were escaping. During the first confrontation on land, Sonya was deliberately run over with a stranger's car by the protagonists. This violent encounter gave Cole and Phoebe a brief moment to escape the cult's clutches.

  • sonya death
  • car accident
  • cult member killed
  • lake confrontation
Q11

Why did Cole offer himself as a sacrifice?

Cole offered himself as the next sacrifice to save Phoebe when Melanie held her hostage at the lake. This act of selflessness was the turning point that brought Bee back into the picture and ultimately led to the ritual's failure, as Cole's loss of innocence disrupted the cult's dark magic.

  • cole sacrifice
  • melanie hostage
  • save phoebe
  • selflessness

Ending explained

What Happens at the End of The Babysitter: Killer Queen?

How The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) ends, in short: the final scene, the last twist and what it means for the characters. The full ending explained, with every spoiler, lives on its own page.

Read the full ending explained

After the chaos of the ritual, those tied to its dark magic disappeared, likely returning to Hell forever, which is a relief from the demonic teenagers hunting Cole. Despite that, the ending feels bittersweet because Bee, who seemed to have orchestrated everything to tie up loose ends, only appears briefly to say a heartfelt goodbye to Cole and Phoebe. She seems genuinely happy to see them safe and to see Cole with someone who cares for him, indicating some degree of remorse or at least a desire for redemption. The book used to start the ritual, however, remains intact and fluttering in the breeze after everything else has vanished, suggesting it still exists and holds power—its fate uncertain, and it could be used again in the future.

In the aftermath, it seems like things are returning to normal—Cole's father finally remembers what happened, and Cole appears to have found some peace, no longer labeled as crazy. However, the reality is more complicated. Cole’s social struggles likely haven't disappeared; his reputation and the suspicions surrounding the ritual could lead to another investigation, especially since other bodies from the ritual are still out there. Phoebe, who survived because of Bee’s intervention, can corroborate his story, but without widespread belief, Cole might still face isolation and ridicule in high school, especially with Phoebe's unconventional entry into his class. His chances of escaping this cycle until college seem slim, leaving open the possibility for future movies where the story might continue.

Continue reading the ending (2 more paragraphs)

A surprising twist reveals that Bee, who appeared to be just a demon, was actually involved in a deeper, more complex deal. She used to babysit Phoebe, who was the daughter of people she was responsible for killing in a car crash—an accident Bee caused and then struck a deal with the devil to save Phoebe’s life. This adds a layer of tragic sacrifice to her character, hinting that she isn’t merely evil but a pawn in a larger, sinister game. Throughout the movie, Bee tries to recruit her friends for another ritual, which suggests she might still be working for the devil or a higher power, possibly aiming to accumulate more souls or find a way to come back. The final scene featuring the open, fluttering pages of the book leaves the door open for her return or for dark magic to resurface, especially since her actress's return was kept secret.

In the end, the film is about confronting trauma and seeking closure. Cole finds some peace through a final moment with Bee, who, despite her dark past, appears to want to make amends in her own way, and through his father finally believing him. Phoebe, though emotional about her parents, finds comfort in her bond with Bee, who helped her survive. Both characters are now in a better place emotionally, ready to start anew, but they carry the scars of their ordeal. The ending suggests that while their trauma might never completely fade, they have gained the strength to move forward, hinting at potential new stories where darkness could reemerge, especially if the powerful book falls into the wrong hands again.

The Babysitter: Killer Queen ending explained in full

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Babysitter: Killer Queen, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Babysitter: Killer Queen tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Campy Horror with Heart like The Babysitter: Killer Queen

Gory scares and genuine emotion collide in a chaotic, self-aware thrill ride. If you liked the mix of gory fun and genuine character stakes in The Babysitter: Killer Queen, explore these movies. This list features horror-comedies where self-aware humor meets a surprising emotional core, delivering chaotic action alongside compelling character journeys.

  • campy
  • action-packed
  • gory
  • chaotic
  • emotional
  • self-aware
  • Tone: dark, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow protagonists facing absurd or supernatural threats. The plot is fast-paced and filled with violent, often comedic, confrontations. However, the narrative is anchored by a character-driven emotional arc—such as friendship, redemption, or sacrifice—that adds depth to the chaos and results in a resonant, often bittersweet, resolution.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a unique tonal balance. They don't just use comedy to undercut horror; they use it to enhance characters we care about. The experience is defined by high-energy action, campy self-awareness, and a payoff that feels earned on both a visceral and emotional level.

Teen Survival Horror Sequels like The Babysitter: Killer Queen

A returning hero faces an even greater, more personal threat from the past. Fans of The Babysitter: Killer Queen looking for similar stories will find them here. This list features horror sequels centered on teenage protagonists who must survive a renewed, more dangerous threat from their past, leading to chaotic action and high-stakes confrontations.

  • suspenseful
  • tense
  • violent
  • chaotic
  • action-packed
  • revenge
  • Tone: dark, tense
  • Pacing: fast, escalating
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a protagonist who has earned a fragile peace after a traumatic event. Their respite is shattered when the antagonist returns, often stronger or with new allies. The story is a direct escalation, focusing on survival while exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and the burden of being the only one who understands the threat. The ending often secures victory but leaves the protagonist permanently changed.

Why they belong together: These sequels are grouped by their specific premise: a hero reluctantly returning to a fight. They share a fast pace, high intensity, and a focus on the psychological weight of facing a nightmare for the second time. The connection is strong because it hinges on this very particular sequel structure and emotional dynamic.

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Every angle

The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

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